Definition of fraternalnext
as in familial
of, relating to, or befitting brothers there was a fraternal bond between the two boys all throughout their school years

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of fraternal List current memberships in civic, fraternal, legal or social organizations. Schnelle Tonge, Sun Sentinel, 16 July 2026 In it are the recurring themes of fraternal loyalty, longing, nature’s bounty, and the rough toke that is doggedly searching for a better life. Literary Hub, 17 June 2026 In this respect, mixed martial arts performs a role similar to military training camps, revolutionary youth movements and fraternal organizations in earlier eras. Scott Atran, The Conversation, 17 June 2026 The United States often feels more fractured than fraternal, a search for commonality hard to find in a land of boundaries drawn harder each day. Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for fraternal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fraternal
Adjective
  • Fenerbahce signed Mesut Ozil — which was a bit of an exception because of his emotional and familial connection to the club — but also recruited Edin Dzeko and (briefly) Leonardo Bonucci.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Olsen certainly hurt those around him, too, growing up, especially as his addiction spiraled and his platonic, romantic and familial relationships fell apart.
    David Oliver, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Their brotherly bond faced challenges when 17-year-old Harper was sentenced to life in prison for taking the life of their abuser.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Getz enjoys getting brotherly advice from Hoyer, who executed his own semi-rebuild in 2021 and worked under Theo Epstein on the 2012 Cubs rebuild that ignited the trend across baseball.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fraternal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fraternal. Accessed 9 Sep. 2026.

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